DISTRIBUTION
In Europe, it first appeared in 2007 in the Italian region Emilia-Romagna and then in France. Outbreaks of Chikungunya similar to those in Italy and France are expected in our country as well.
AFFECTED HOST SPECIES
The main host of the virus, which causes about three million infections each year, are humans, but in Africa non-human primates can also serve as primary hosts. In other cases, the chikungunya virus can also be found in birds and other vertebrates.
TRANSMISSION AND VECTORS
It is spread by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. The main vector species responsible for outbreaks are the yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus). Mother-to-newborn transmission is rare, but the virus can be passed during breastfeeding.
SYMPTOMS
Approximately 3–28% of people infected with chikungunya virus remain asymptomatic. The incubation period for people with the disease is usually 3-7 days. This may be followed by symptoms such as high fever, chills, headache, conjunctivitis, excessive sensitivity to light and arthritis. The fever usually subsides after 2–3 days. 80% of patients may suffer from persistent joint pain and prolonged fatigue, which can last for years. Children and the elderly are at higher risk, with a longer recovery period. There is a risk of developing severe disability, chronic joint pain and complications as a result of the infection.
TREATMENT, PREVENTION
There is one vaccine (Ixchiq), approved by the FDA in 2023, available to persons over the age of 18, a single dose is sufficient for long-term immunity, contains a weakened virus, and medication can be used to relieve symptoms. During the first week of infection, patients carry high levels of the virus in their blood, so mosquito bites should be avoided to prevent further transmission. Prevention is the most effective method of protection.